The Lord in 1066 was named as Uhtred, but had changed to Richard of Sourdeval under the tenancy of Count Robert of Mortain.

By the early fourteenth century it had passed as a mense lordship to Arnald de Percy.

[3] Like its namesakes near Pickering and the other to the west of Stockton-on-Tees the place-name is derived from Viking Old Norse meaning "Aslakr's or Asulf's farm".

[4][5] The area around the village is noted for its quarries, and the stone that was used in many local buildings and further afield in some notable structures such as London Bridge and Ramsgate Pier.

[5][6] Local buildings constructed from the stone include Pond House which is grade II* listed.